Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Livestock in Slaughterhouses of Kermanshah Province during 2013-2017

Many parasitic diseases cause parasitic complications in humans, in addition to causing significant damage to the livestock industry. This study intended to determine the prevalence pattern of some parasitic infections observed in livestock slaughtered in Kermanshah province.

Data were obtained through the examination of livestock carcasses in Kermanshah province during 2013-2017 (4367 cows, 29809 sheep, and 8995  goats) and further evaluated descriptively-analytically.

The highest prevalence rate of a parasitic disease referred to as hepatic hydatid was observed in cows with 166 cases (3.8%), followed by goats with 116 cases (1.28%), and sheep with 320 cases (1.07%), while the highest prevalence rate of Hydatid cyst was observed in cows with 252 cases (5.77%), followed by goats with 304 cases (3.37%), and sheep with 708 cases (2.37%), respectively. Fasciola infection was recognized in 115 cases of cows (2.63%), followed by 37 cases (0.41%) of goats, and 73 cases (0.24%) of sheep, and the disparity between the rates was deemed significant. In terms of the prevalence rate of Dicrocoelium infection, a considerable disparity was observed between cows with 85 cases (1.94%) and sheep with 464 cases (1.55%), while 247 cases (2.74%) were recognized in goats.

Moreover, a significant disparity was observed in the seasonal prevalence of infections between different livestock breeds. Ultimately, the results of this study provided essential information for the implementation of developmental and prevention programs in the monitored area.